Said Mike Harlow, Oak Tree's Director of Racing, "I think (running) time is relative, whether it's slow or fast, as long as the horses are staying sound, that's the important thing."

I am all for the safety of the horses and do not have a problem betting Poly or Synthetic once the vast majority of horses in the race have PP form to go by. But I think as a fan these racing Racing Secretary's or Track Presidents are making a big mistake if they feel slowing the sport down drastically to [b]slightly increase safety[/b] (and this what the data shows) is visually appealing to the fan they are wrong.

Start slowing down the cars at Daytona to minimize wrecks and fans will not like it. Take 20+ yards off Tigers drives to minimize how many get hit by his slices and fans will not like it. Slow NFL players down to reduce ACL's and fans will not like it. Fastballs only travel 80 mph while hitters use noodles to bat with. People view sporting events for speed. This is not figure skating but we can turn it into Equestrain if they want. Or better yet help out Harness Racing like they have never before.

These guys are playing with fire and as Matt Hegarty pointed out the other day in column have only now just organized a study group to analyze what they are doing.

Having said that looking eagerly forward to Oak Tree (hope its a lot like the Hollywood surface) and Ky Cup Day. If I want to dig up some dirt there is always Belmont.